Russia will Revive Only when Its People Feel Themselves Citizens of a Single Country and Compromise with One Another , Travin Says

Paul Goble

            Staunton, Mar. 25 – Russia is deeply divided now, with many of its residents convinced that they cannot possibly compromise with anyone else, Dmitry Travin says; but only if they begin to see themselves as citizens in common in a single country can they hope for a national revival that will avoid the disasters of 1917 or 1991.

            The director of the Center for Research on Modernization at St. Petersburg’s European University says that today many think that everything is dying; but it is “completely realistic” on the basis of the experience of other countries to conclude that “a rebirth is completely possible” (rosbalt.ru/russia/2022/03/25/1950410.html).

            Such a revival may not happen “here and now,” he argues; but “there are objective reasons” to think that a situation could arise when we will be able to begin to build a new life.” For that to happen, Russians must overcome what was a fatal flaw in their public life in the wake of 1917 and 1991 – their unwillingness and inability to compromise.

            In 1917, Kerensky couldn’t compromise with Kornilov; and 74 years later, those supporting one or another course of development could not compromise with any other. Instead, on both occasions, most people believed that any compromise was a morally unacceptable form of collaborationism.

            Tragically, that pattern is repeating itself today. Some are emigrating so that they can express themselves freely but also so they will not have to compromise with those who remain; and some who remain are simply refusing to take the risks of trying to find some common language with their opponents, Travin says.

            What needs to happen instead, he argues, is the building of bridges between various groups. “It seems to me that if we or our children in the future will be able to begin doing that, then rebirth will take place.” As for today, “practically all who could do something constructive are remaining quiet” or standing apart and refusing to speak with others.

            As Russian history has shown, that is a path to disaster; and if Russia is to overcome its current crisis, it will have to overcome that approach. If it doesn’t, the tragedies of the past will be repeated and perhaps become even worse ones in the future.